Today the Veterans One Stop celebrated its re-opening.
The center, which provides assistance for veterans and their families, is now in a nearly 9,000- square foot space on La Salle. The Heart of Texas Region MHMR spent more than $300,000 to help purchase the new space.
Steve Hernandez, a veterans Services officer, says the new location will allow the One Stop to reach a larger veteran population – and provide help with issues like reintegration or navigating the VA system.
“Well here we want to be able to advocate," Hernandez said, "we want to be able to get them in that system. And if there’s an alternative that they may not want to go there, well we want them to know that we can help them here get the same type of treatment at the community level that they may need.”
The new space also includes a recreational area for veterans to hang out. There’s also a space for prayer and computers to work on things like resumes.
“We wanted some places they could leisurely enjoy themselves," Hernandez said of the new space. "That’s why this offered the sanctuary, the break room, the rec room, a place where we can sit down and eat. Just areas that we didn’t have before that just weren’t as accessible."
The One Stop services Veterans from across 6 area counties. Services at the new location are provided by various local organizations, like the McLennan County Veteran Service Office and the Lone Star Legal Aid to name a few.
Officials estimate they’ve helped more than 2,000 veterans during the last quarter.The Veterans One stop originally opened in 2013 on Austin Avenue.